big cheese

noun

Definition of big cheesenext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group thinks he's a big cheese just because he's got a business card

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of big cheese But a big cheese board affords the chance for people to try something new. — Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 So for decades only accredited scholars, the occasional journalist and big cheeses got to see inside. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023 Following a voting process, this international cut of designers aged under 40 will be whittled down to a final few before the winners are selected by a panel of the conglomerate’s key designers and c-suite big cheeses some time in the summer. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big cheese
  1. heavyweight
  2. heavy
  3. big
  4. big gun
  5. big boy
  6. big wheel
  7. big leaguer
  8. major leaguer
Noun
  • The art is from the private collection of Paolo and Antonella De Santis, Valentina's parents, and is mostly from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, with pieces by heavyweights like Anselm Kiefer.
    — Ondine Cohane, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Once in the postseason, there will be no cakewalking for Columbine in a 4A field headlined by Western Slope heavyweight Montrose as well as Ponderosa, Monarch, Broomfield and Mesa Ridge.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • The one-room restaurant retains the clean, minimalist aesthetic that Anthony has cultivated at the upscale sushi counter but has more stone incorporated into the space than a traditional, wood-heavy omakase would.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • That is a remarkable incentive, if not catnip, to send Condon to the bigs.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pick-and-rolls at the top of the floor with bigs, pick-and-rolls with smalls.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • After England have raised a glass comes a three-match one-day international series this week when India will welcome back big guns including captain Shubman Gill and legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Clinging to a one-run lead and with the top of the order due up, Tracy went to one of his big guns, calling in Whitlock to put out the fire.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 May 2026
Definition of big gun
Noun
  • Thibodeau is a big boy, and Dolan is still paying him a lot of money from that $30 million extension signed in the summer of 2024.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But taking on one of Wall Street’s big boys, and then getting squashed for it, ranks right up there.
    — Liz Peek, Washington Post, 4 May 2026
Definition of big boy
Noun
  • For all of its strengths, my one wish for the Weber Kettle is better wheel nuts holding the big wheels in place.
    — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 17 May 2026
  • Denali versions aim for gloss, chrome, big wheels and illuminated badging, while the AT4 gets the tougher costume - 35-inch allou-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, extra ground clearance and a more trail-minded stance flavor.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of big wheel
Noun
  • Replacing him at shortstop is Lombard, the son of former big leaguer and current Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard, who Yankees fans have been waiting to see make his debut.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Conine, who turned 29 last month, still hasn’t fully established himself at a big leaguer.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of big leaguer
Noun
  • Butch Huskey, who spent nearly a decade with the Mets as a minor leaguer and major leaguer playing four different positions, passed away at the age of 54 on Friday, the team announced.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Jack Wilson, a 12-year major leaguer who also played shortstop, instilled in his son that defense comes first.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of major leaguer

Browse Nearby Words

big business
big cheese
big cheeses
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big cheese.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20cheese. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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